Texas & the Rio Grande Valley

March 2-15, 2026

Featuring Waco, 2 Night Stay on the San Antonio River Walk, 3 Night Stay in McAllen, Galveston, Houston & South Padre!

Oklahoma City National Monument
Dallas City Tour
Grapevine Observation Tower
Magnolia Market at the Silos
Dr Pepper Museum
San Antonio City Tour
SAS General Store
Cruise on the San Antonio Riverwalk
The Alamo
Dolphin Watch Cruise
Progreso, Mexico
King Ranch Tour & Lunch
USS Lexington
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum
Johnson Space Center
Clinton Presidential Center

Highlights:

  • Today we will begin our journey to the “Lone Star State.” We spend the day getting acquainted with our fellow travelers as we make our way to our overnight.

    Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites

  • Continuing our journey south today, we’ll drive into Kansas and then Oklahoma, making a stop at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The outdoor symbolic Memorial is a place of quiet reflection. The Memorial honors the victims, survivors, rescuers, and all who were affected by the tragedy of the bombing. We continue on to Frisco, a suburb of Dallas, where we will spend the night. (B)

    Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites

  • This morning we’ll board the bus with a guide and experience Dallas. Our city tour features sights such as John Neely Bryan’s log cabin (the founder of Dallas), Old Red Courthouse, Dealy Plaza grassy knoll and the JFK assassination site, the JFK Memorial, the original Neiman Marcus store, Thanksgiving Square and much more. We’ll have lunch and free time to shop in the Grapevine historic district this afternoon before we visit the Observation Tower where you can see Grapevine and the entire Dallas Fort Worth metroplex from 150 feet above. We then head to Waco for our overnight. (B)

    Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott

  • Our morning begins at Magnolia Market at the Silos, where there’s a little something for everyone. Enjoy shopping, games, the garden and even a bite to eat. Be sure to check out the bakery to grab some fresh goodies! We move on south and then west through Austin, the state capital, to Johnson City. After lunch, we will make our way to San Antonio to explore the Dr Pepper Museum. Enjoy a guided tour of both historic buildings and receive a glass bottle of Real Sugar Dr Pepper. Afterwards we will settle into our hotel located on the River Walk, a verdant oasis of cypress-lined paved paths, arched stone bridges and lush landscapes in San Antonio, Texas. It gently winds through the city center with scenic pathways and waterways. The river is lined with a sidewalk to many shops and restaurants. (B)

    Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites Plaza

  • Enjoy a guided tour of San Antonio this morning, featuring Mission San Jose, Useiline Convent, San Fernando Cathedral and more! We’ll make a stop at SAS General Store then you’ll have some free time to explore and have lunch on the River Walk on your own. This afternoon we’ll cruise along the San Antonio River for an unforgettable way to experience the world-famous San Antonio River Walk. (B)

  • We’ll start our morning at the IMAX Theater, seeing the film “Alamo-The Price of Freedom,” telling the story of the 189 Texans and Tejano Defenders who chose to die for freedom. Next, we’ll head over to visit The Alamo-the most famous stop in Texas! This is where the Spanish colonization first took hold and where a small band of Texans held out for thirteen days. Plenty of time will be spent here for you to explore and learn about this historical place. We will continue to McAllen for a three night stay. (B)

    Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites

  • We’re going international today! We board our bus to tour the border city of Progreso, a Mexican town in the state of Tamaulipas located right on the U.S. border. You will be able to explore, have lunch and shop here. Don’t forget, you will need a passport for today’s adventure. (B)

  • Our morning will be spent at Sea Turtle, Inc, a nonprofit company dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles. We’ll be given a “turtle talk” upon arrival and then have time to explore the facility. Then we’ll head to South Padre Island, situated on the coastal tip of Texas. After lunch, we’ll head to the pier to board a boat for a Dolphin Watch & Sealife-Eco Tour. The South Padre Island area is home to hundreds of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, we’ll watch these intelligent animals leap and play while learning about them, seabirds and other sea life. We’ll return to our hotel for you to enjoy the rest of the day on your own. (B)

  • This morning we’ll visit King Ranch in Kingsville. In 1853, Captain Richard King purchased 15,500 acres and stocked it with longhorn cattle. Our guide at the ranch will tell us more about the history of the ranch and its modern day workings that they still use today. Some highlights of the tour are the auction arena, the horse cemetery, and the Colony-home of the King’s men. Lunch is included here. We’ll continue on to Corpus Christi stopping along the way at the USS Lexington, aka “The Blue Ghost.” We’ll tour the Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy before heading to our hotel for the evening. (B, L)

    Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton

  • We begin our day with a visit to the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum. The retired drilling rig offers a hands on way to learn about the offshore oil and gas industry. Afterwards, check-in to our hotel just steps away from the beach. The rest of the day is at your leisure to sit by the pool, go to the beach or you may even take the trolley to do a little bit of exploring around the city. (B)

    Hotel: Best Western Plus - Seawall Blvd

  • Today we head to Houston to visit the Johnson Space Center where you can touch a Moon rock, witness a shuttle launch, enjoy a tram tour of NASA, see real space-flown vehicles and much more. Tonight’s lodging will be in Houston, TX. (B)

    Hotel: Springhill Suites

  • Today’s travels take us north, passing through Texarkana, home of Ross Perot. Then through Hope, Arkansas, which is the birthplace of former President, Bill Clinton. We’ll continue to Little Rock, where we’ll visit the Clinton Presidential Center. The exhibits display the story of President Clinton’s life before becoming president, during his terms in office, as well as his post-presidential work. (B)

    Hotel: Hampton Inn North

  • This morning an outstanding drive awaits us as we take the scenic route through the Ozarks on our way to Blue Springs for our overnight. (B)

    Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites

  • Visiting with our new friends and making the usual stops, our trek home will conclude. (B)

Trip Itinerary

TOUR DATES: March 2-15, 2026

PRICE PER PERSON
Double (2 people/room): $2600
Triple (3 people/room): $2580
Quad (4 people/room): $2560
Single (1 person/room): $3750

DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $200

IMPORTANT DATES
Final Payment Due: 1/16/26
Cancellation for Full Refund: 1/30/26

TRIP DOCUMENTS ARE MAILED 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Valid EDL or Passport

MEALS INCLUDED
Breakfast (B): 13
Lunch (L): 1
Dinner (D): 0

INCLUDES
-
Transportation via Riley Bus & Tours
-Riley Tour Director & Driver
-Accommodations
-Attractions Listed
-Meals Listed
-Luggage Handling (1 Bag/Person)
-All Taxes & Tips for Tour Feature

PRINT BROCHURE

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR:
We require all travelers to fill out a reservation form and submit a deposit when signing up for a tour. If you want to pay by credit card, you should BOOK ONLINE. If you want to pay by check, you should BOOK BY MAIL. Please be sure to read our TERMS & CONDITIONS.

BOOK BY MAIL
    1. Click on BOOK BY MAIL

    2. A printable Reservation Form will pop-up - print this form

    3. Fill out the Reservation Form - Please read the information page that comes with it before fill it out - there are also insurance information with it

    4. Submit the deposit require for the tour you are signing up for - listed under the pricing information

    5. We will MAIL you an invoice which confirms your reservation and shows your remaining balance and when it is due *Please note, we do not send final payment reminders or final payment receipts- this invoice is the only one you will receive from us

    6. Tour documents are mailed to each travelers 3 weeks prior to departure - these documents will have your pick-up location/time, full itinerary of the tour along with luggage tags and other items pertaining to your tour

    1. Click on BOOK ONLINE

    2. Select the number of people you are signing up (people icon) on the package you are choosing (Double, Triple, Quad or Single)

    3. Follow onscreen instructions

    4. You will need to pay the deposit (or full payment if the full payment deadline has passed) *Please note, there is a non-refundable fee for using your credit card - ACH payments are charged a non-refundable fee also but it is lower than a credit card

    5. You will receive an email confirmation from Riley Tours/WeTravel - SAVE THIS EMAIL if you plan to make your final payment online, it is the only way to access your reservation

    6. We will also MAIL you an invoice which confirms your reservation and shows your remaining balance and when it is due - you may choose to pay your remaining balance by mailing us a check if you prefer *Please note, we do not send final payment reminders or final payment receipts - this invoice is the only one you will receive from us

    7. Tour documents are mailed to each travelers 3 weeks prior to departure - these documents will have your pick-up location/time, full itinerary of the tour along with luggage tags and other items pertaining to your tour

  • DISCOUNTS & SAVINGS

    Please not that these discounts and credits have no cash value and need to be applied prior to making your final payment. No refunds for a discount or credit will be made if final payment is made. In fairness to everyone, exceptions cannot be made for any reason.

    PRE-TOUR LODGING

    Upon request, lodging for the night before the tour will be provided at a cost of $50-$100 per room (depending on location) for travelers who live more than 50 miles from the nearest designated departure point. For travelers who live within 50 miles of the nearest designated departure point, we can help you arrange pre-tour lodging for the full cost of the room. We will send this information to you in your tour documents.

    FORM OF PAYMENT

    Personal Checks, Money Order, Credit Card and Cash are acceptable forms of payment. Please note, all credit card transactions are subject to a non-refundable 3.95% service fee. *Fees are subject to change*

    CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

    Full refund will be made provided we receive notice 31 days prior to the tours departure for most tours. Each tour has a cancellation date listed on the brochure or catalog page. For tours which include air, a full refund will be made up to 61 days before departure or the date indicated on the brochure. For tours which include a cruise, a full refund will be made based upon the cruise line’s cancellation policy. Cancellations or changes made within 60 days of departure may be subject to charges assessed by the airlines and/or tour suppliers. Refunds are at the discretion of Riley Tours based on non-recoverable expenses and other factors. If you are sharing a room and your partner cancels or leaves the tour en route, you will be required to pay the difference between the double and single accommodation tour cost if you did not purchase trip insurance. Riley Tours reserves the right to modify it’s refund and cancellation policy when a sizable amount of cancellation or delay of travel that is related to or arising out of acts of God, pandemics, weather, government actions, mechanical breakdowns, acts of terrorism and war. In any one of these circumstances, Riley’s will issue the amount paid in the form of a travel voucher that does not expire.

    TRIP INSURANCE

    Riley’s offers an Travel Protection Plan for every tour. This coverage can protect you from non-refundable charges and any additional expenses if a illness or an accident prevents you or your partner from going on a tour or leave a tour while it’s in progress. This plan is optional and at an additional cost. It is non-refundable.

    PICK UP POINTS

    Inside secure parking is offered at our office in Murdock, Minnesota. Other locations we pick up but do not offer inside secure parking in Minnesota include Hutchinson, Waconia, St. Joseph, Alexandria and St. Michael. We also pick up in Plymouth, Minnetonka, St. Paul, St. Cloud and Eden Prairie but there is not parking arrangements there. These departure points are scheduled based on the tour routing. We suggest you contact our office for the most convenient departure point that is available from your area. Courtesy transportation will be provided upon request for ten or more passengers departing from one location on most tours. If no pick-up point is determined on passenger's reservation form, the nearest one with parking will be selected by Riley Tours.

    PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP

    A Passport is required for all passengers traveling by air to and from Canada and Mexico along with on international tours. U.S. Customs suggests that your passport’s be valid atleast six months past your return date. If you are applying for a passport, we recommend applying for a passport as you register for a tour, as it can take up to eight weeks to process. For land crossings a passport or an enhanced drivers license is required. A REAL ID is required for tours flying within the United States unless you plan to use your passport. Please make sure you have the proper ID when making your reservation. Riley’s is not responsible for costs incurred due to a traveler not having the correct form of ID to travel. Travelers are responsible for checking with the government authorities for all countries visited to determine if the traveler is allowed to enter due to policies in place by that country. For Example: Criminal history such as DWI may not allow someone to travel into Canada.

    TOURS THAT INCLUDE AIRFARE

    For tours that include airfare, Riley Tours book these tickets as a group. Seats are assigned by the airlines and a seat next to your traveling companion is not a guarantee nor is a seat request such as aisle, window seats or upgrades. Riley Tours staff submits these request to the airline and will make every attempt to get travel companions close to each other on the plane but Riley's is not responsible if those requests are not followed by the airline. Any flight deviations or reservations after the final payment on tours that include airfare, are subject to additional costs/fees and payment for the airline ticket is due at the time of purchase. It is the responsibility of each Tour Guest to provide their name as written on their government-issued photo ID (or Passport if required) when registering for a tour. This is the ID you must bring and use at the airport. If the incorrect name is given, Riley Tours is not liable for additional expenses incurred or travel delays as a result of airline ticket name changes.

    TOUR DOCUMENTS

    Complete joining instructions with pick up times and locations, an itinerary, and hotel listing will be included with your luggage tag and medical form. This material is mailed to you approximately 21 days prior to the tours departure date.

    CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS

    We recommend for all of our tours that you wear comfortable shoes made for walking. Bring clothing that can be layered easily for changing weather conditions. Bringing a raincoat that can easily be folded and stored is always a good idea. If special events or activities require more dressy attire, it will be noted on your tour documents. We suggest you bring a bathing suit if you enjoy utilizing the hotel pools and Jacuzzis.

    SINGLE TRAVELER

    Riley Tours welcomes single travelers and will try to assist in arranging a roommate for any person wishing to share accommodations at the double rate. Travelers looking for partners are responsible for meeting one another and deciding if it is a good match. Riley’s shall not be held liable should the arrangement fail. If a shared arrangement not be available or does not work out, the single rate will apply. Single travelers that sign up for a tour are purchasing a single seat and may be required to share a seat with another single passenger if the bus is full.

    TRIPLE & QUAD

    These accommodations are usually in rooms with two double beds. A roll-away bed or cot is subject to availability on a request basis only and at an extra cost.

    TOUR PARTICIPATION

    Tour participation will be granted to all persons. Any person who requires special assistance needs to be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them throughout the trip. Riley Tours regrets that we are not able to provide individual assistance to guests with walking, wheel chairs, or other personal needs. Please note it is the responsibility of the traveler to pay for any expenses incurred for special arrangements required.

    MOBILITY DEVICES

    Foldable wheelchairs and walkers are welcome. They are not permitted onboard the motorcoach and will be stored in the baggage compartment. If you intend to bring a wheelchair or walker, please notify us when making your reservation. We can accommodate motorized wheelchairs of a specific size and weight.

    ADA ACT ON INTERNATIONAL TOURS

    Be aware that the ADA Act is only applicable in the U.S., so traveling outside the U.S. with a disability may be more difficult.

    LUGGAGE

    Each person is allowed ONE LARGE SUITCASE which will be handled for you throughout the tour. In addition, a small overnight case or tote bag may be carried aboard. Carry-on articles are the responsibility of each person. A purse or small bag can be in addition to your carry-on as well as a C-Pap breathing machine as it is considered a medical device and doesn’t count as a carry-on. Though every effort will be made to safeguard your luggage, Riley Tours accepts no liability for loss or damage. Each person is required to handle their own luggage at airport check-in.

    SMOKING POLICY

    For the comfort of everyone, smoking aboard the coach and at included group functions is not permitted. Frequent stops enable those who wish to smoke to do so.

    SEAT ROTATIONS

    To enable everyone to enjoy the view from all areas of the motor coach, seating will be changed on a daily basis on tours with 20 people or more, your tour director will explain this procedure.

    INCLUDED MEALS & ATTRACTIONS

    You will be advised of those meals that are included as part of your tour. We regret that food substitutions are not always possible for pre-arranged or set menus. Please let us know when signing up if you have special dietary requests so we may try to accommodate them. Refunds cannot be given, should you choose not to join the tour group for an included meal, or sightseeing that has been prepaid or arranged on a group basis.

    TOUR DIRECTORS

    Every Riley Tour is accompanied by a professional Tour Director who handles all the details of your tour. Cruise tours may not have a Tour Director onboard.

    RESERVATION FORMS

    When filling out a reservation form, please write your full legal name (as written on your ID). If you have a nickname you would like on the name tag that you will wear throughout the tour, you may request that under the “Names on Tag” section of the form. If the form is filled incorrectly, Riley Tours is not responsible for fees to make changes.

    SPECIAL REQUESTS

    Please let us know in the special requests line of your reservation form if you need any of the following: handicapped accessible room or other special room requests, walking restrictions, wheelchair, special dietary needs, if you plan bringing any medical items necessary for your trip, etc. Riley’s must have notice that you need a wheel chair prior to your tours departure in order for the wheel chair to be reserved for a passenger. Please note: handicapped accessible rooms with 2 queen beds is not always available at hotels so please specify what you need exactly so we can make sure your request is accommodated correctly. For example: walk in shower, raised toilet, etc.

    GRATUITIES

    Tips for all included features of your tour (luggage handling, included meals, etc.) will be taken care of by your tour director. Tips for meals on your own or other services are at the discretion of each tour participant. Customary tips for the tour director and driver of your tour should be on a voluntary basis and given individually at the end of the tour. If tips are not included, it is noted on the tour brochure. We suggest $5-10 per traveler per day.

    LIABILITY & RELATION WITH AIRFARE

    We assume no liability for any actions of the airlines, such as flight delays, flight cancellation and equipment failure. The obligations and liabilities of an airline to you, and your rights against the airline, are subject to the terms and conditions of the airlines’ tickets and tariffs. It is important to understand that portions of a trip missed due to a flight delay are lost and no refund will be issued by Riley Tours.

    RESPONSIBILITY

    These tours are operated by Riley Tours of Murdock, MN. Riley Tours and their agents act only as an agent for such other parties, firms, or corporations providing services herein. No liability shall be incurred by Riley Tours, their agents, presenters, or cosponsors because of injury, loss, delay, or other complication experienced by tour participants. Riley Tours reserves the right to correct printing errors, to make any changes or alterations in the printed itineraries, dates, routes, hotels, or included features prior to or during the tour, as may be necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the tour. The names of the hotels used may be changed without notice. Riley Tours also reserves the right to accept, decline, or retain any person as a participant of these tours at anytime.

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